Cloud City by the Argentine artist Tomás Saraceno will consist of 68 interconnected polygonal glass modules, each measuring 4.5 metres across. The modules are combined to form a 30-metre-tall form inspired by cumulus clouds. Visitors will be able to enter the sculpture via a building roof and walk around inside the many glass modules. The overall installation will form a distinctive landmark for the city of Aalborg that is expected to boost cultural tourism in the area.
‘Tomás Saraceno is one of the most visionary figures on the international art scene. With the realization of his project, Aalborg not only acquires a new, monumental landmark that, with respect for its surroundings, helps elevate this unique urban district; Saraceno also masterfully combines the spectacular with depth and gravity. In an intelligent and playful manner, he physically draws us into future scenarios that invite discussion and debate in a way that is both inclusive and engaging,’ says Karsten Ohrt, chairman of the New Carlsberg Foundation.
Thomas Kastrup-Larsen, the mayor of Aalborg, welcomes the grant from the New Carlsberg Foundation as a major step in the right direction:
‘I think it’s wonderful that the New Carlsberg Foundation, with this generous grant, is now bringing Cloud City a big step closer to its realization. I am very grateful for the grant and hope that the remaining funding for Cloud City will be secured as soon as possible to make this amazing work of art possible.’
In addition to the grant from the New Carlsberg Foundation, the art installation has already received generous grants from the private foundation Det Obelske Familiefond and from the City of Aalborg.
New neighbourhood in former industrial area
The realization of Saraceno’s art installation is a key element in the plans for converting Aalborg’s iconic distillery site, which has stood abandoned since the summer of 2015. The distillery complex now constitutes the biggest industrial preservation project in Danish history. The project includes the establishment of a new district for art and cultural experiences in Aalborg with Saraceno’s giant art installation as its centrepiece.
In addition to Tomás Saraceno’s installation, the area will also be home to the art centre MonAA. Due to their preservation status, the iconic distillery buildings must be left virtually unchanged, both inside and out. Hence, the integration of the art centre with the old industrial facilities is a delicate and carefully considered process, which has taken place in close cooperation with the architectural firm BIG.
‘The art installation and the art centre are cornerstones in the conversion of the old distillery site, but the plans also include bringing a host of other facilities to the area, among them Aalborg Theatre, a hotel, a market hall, a chocolate factory, non-profit social housing and private homes. This is going to be a unique urban neighbourhood in Europe based on the historical industrial traditions that have been part of Aalborg’s DNA for many years,’ explains Martin Nielsen, who is spearheading the initiative for the new district in Aalborg.
Nielsen adds that he is carrying on a constructive dialogue with several other foundations concerning the outstanding funding.